2002 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 449 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 158,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2% of the 449 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 158,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had a brake failure on my 2002 Tahoe after driving at hwy speeds then coming off the exit to stop; the, service brakes light came on. I then attempted to brake and the pedal went all the way to the floor making it very difficult to brake.. , could have been catastrophic, and or deadly; I drove home 2 miles away, very slowly; I had very little brake control.(two infants in the car at the time) two out of four brake lines completely rusted with a hole; brake fluid leaked out quickly at time of incident ..like hundreds, and thousands of other complaints of same exact problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10465492, filed 2012-07, 136,000 miles“This vehicle was leaking oil from the engine, front and back brakes were faulty, the starter was going bad, the electrical system for the back windows were not in working condition. The vehicle would display sensor lights to have the vehicle engine checked but then after about 2 days it would not show a displaying message it would also effect the audio fuse that allows the audio system to function. The tires were bald on the front driver side and left back passenger side. The seat belts were difficult to enter into latch in order to secure seatbelt.”
NHTSA complaint #11241900, filed 2019-08, 185,777 miles“The exhaust bolts are breaking causing the exhaust to leak. The related problems will likely be poor fuel economy, increased emissions and potentially failed emissions test. The catalytic converter was already replaced on the same side as the exhaust manifold with the broken bolts. Problem was not noticed until the second bolt broke thus not sure when the original problem occurred. The problem appears to effecting numerous other vehicles thus a potential large global impact.”
NHTSA complaint #10476978, filed 2012-09, 128,000 miles“Tl - the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage were 187,000. Rk updated 04/17/14 the consumer stated the ignition cut off while driving. Updated 05/20/14”
NHTSA complaint #10565962, filed 2014-02, 187,000 miles“My vehicle has been diagnosed as needing the exhaust manifold bolts replaced. I have read that this is an ongoing issue that poses a risk to drivers and passengers due to the fumes, but has not been recalled by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11690270, filed 2025-09Related service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10173398Feb 28, 2020This diagnostic tip provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10156912Mar 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 64% |
| 2025 | 31 | 60% |
| 2024 | 24 | 35% |
| 2023 | 127 | 55% |
| 2022 | 75 | 38% |
| 2021 | 169 | 37% |
| 2020 | 14 | 25% |
| 2019 | 32 | 29% |
| 2018 | 20 | 19% |
| 2017 | 26 | 15% |
| 2016 | 19 | 7% |
| 2015 | 46 | 7% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 9 | 5% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 14 | 5% |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% |
| 2007 | 58 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 13 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 6% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
182 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsTires
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology